Fetal Images Through Virtual Reality During Labor

Aim:

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of viewing personalized fetal images through a virtual reality (VR) headset during labor on childbirth comfort, maternal attachment, and perceived traumatic childbirth.

Study Design and Participants:

The study will be conducted among primiparous pregnant women at 28-32 weeks of gestation who voluntarily agree to participate and provide informed consent for fetal image recording. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group.

Intervention:

During labor, participants assigned to the intervention group will view personalized images of their own fetus through a VR headset. The fetal images will be accompanied by fetal heart sounds. The VR intervention will be administered for a minimum of four minutes, and participants will have the option to continue viewing the personalized fetal images if they wish.

Control:

Participants assigned to the control group will receive routine intrapartum care without exposure to personalized fetal images through a VR headset.

Outcome Measures:

The primary outcomes will include childbirth comfort, maternal attachment, and perceived traumatic childbirth. Data will be collected using the Pregnant Woman Descriptive Information Form, Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire, Maternal Attachment Scale, and Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale.

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods according to the distribution and characteristics of the variables. Independent-samples t-test, paired-samples t-test, and chi-square test may be used as appropriate. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.

Ethical Considerations:

The study will be conducted in accordance with ethical principles and after obtaining approval from the relevant ethics committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before participation in the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant women aged 18 years or older
• Primiparous women
• Gestational age of 28-32 weeks at the time of eligibility assessment
• Singleton pregnancy
• Able to communicate in Turkish
• Willing to participate in the study
• Able to provide written informed consent for study participation and recording of personalized fetal ultrasound images.

Exclusion criteria

• Indication for elective cesarean delivery
• Visual or hearing impairment that could interfere with the intervention
• Maternal or fetal medical complications
• Pregnancy conceived through assisted reproductive techniques